Self-navigating colonoscope intubates most of the colon

A pilot feasibility study reported in latest issue of Gastroenterology shows that a pneumatic, skill-independent, self-propelling new colonoscope, the Aer-O-Scope, effectively intubates all or most of the colon.

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Endoscopic screening of the colon with available instruments requires considerable training, is often painful, and carries a risk of perforation.

New instrument platforms for endoscopic screening could be useful.

Dr Nadir Arber and colleagues evaluated the extent of colonic intubation by using a novel self-propelled, self-navigating endoscope, the Aer-O-Scope.

The researchers had 12 young healthy volunteers undergo complete bowel preparation followed by a nonsedated examination using the novel device.

Each examination was followed by a standard colonoscopy for safety evaluation.

Cecal intubation was confirmed by endoscopic landmarks and fluoroscopy.

The researchers found that in 83% of subjects, the cecum was successfully reached.